Graham Kavanagh wants help at each end to discover consistency

Manager Graham Kavanagh is hoping to re-sign Ben Amos and find a new striker so Carlisle United can fins some consistency

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Graham Kavanagh

Graham Kavanagh has challenged his Carlisle team to finally find some consistency – and he is looking for a player at either end of the field to achieve it.

Goalkeeper Greg Fleming will make his Football League debut for the Cumbrians at League One second-placed side Leyton Orient this afternoon.

Kavanagh is still hopeful of striking another loan deal for Manchester United youngster Ben Amos, who made nine appearances after first choice Mark Gillespie picked up an injury. Gillespie is thought to be five or six weeks away from a return.

“We’re still talking to Manchester United about Ben Amos,” Kavanagh revealed.

“I think he really enjoyed his time here. He was making a name for himself again and I don’t think there’s anything like a real first-team environment for any player.”

Others have shown an interest on the back of Amos’ form but, with Tom Lawrence also on loan at Brunton Park, Carlisle have a good relationship with the Red Devils.

“Manchester United have been wonderful in the way they have helped us with the financial side of their deals and that has allowed me to do other things,” said Kavanagh.

“We gave him (Amos) a platform and I think that’s what sparks interest from other clubs. I’m clear on what he wants to do, but whatever he decides he has to make sure he’s playing regularly. We would like to have him back but I’m just not sure if it’s going to be possible.”

Kavanagh’s opening spell in charge is the only time this season Carlisle have had the same result three games running.

“It is up to us to get a run together where we go eight, 10, 12 games being really consistent,” he said. “That’s the challenge we’re setting.

“The group have to find more ways to drag more out of themselves,especially when they are not playing well.

“There have been times when I’ve felt the lads have looked right in training and we haven’t had the outcome we expected come Saturday. I will remind them before the game and make sure their focus is very clear.”

The sharp end of the field is Kavanagh’s main concern, with David Amoo the only player into double-figure goals this term.

“I’d like to strengthen at the top end of the pitch if I’m being honest,” Kavanagh said. “I don’t think we’re scoring enough goals.

“I think we look a strong, solid outfit but in fairness to the goalkeeper and defenders, they need a bit of pressure taken off with somebody who can get goals.”

Courtney Meppen-Walter isfit again, while Conor Townsend could return at left-back afterrejoining on loan from Hull City last week.

Meanwhile, Carlisle’s League One trip to Coventry City has been moved to February 18 because of the Sky Blues’ FA Cup fourth round tie at Arsenal.